Evaluating the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit

Abstract

Objectives: We describe the use of responsive art therapy in an inpatient child and adolescent mental health services unit, including its acceptability rated through a satisfaction questionnaire. Methods: A patient satisfaction questionnaire was developed to collect feedback from 46 adolescents. Images from therapy were photographed and collated looking for patterns across diagnoses and stages of treatment. Results: Adolescents reported that art therapy helped them learn how to express themselves safely (80%) and understand how their thoughts related to their feelings (78%). Conclusions: Responsive art therapy was a useful strategy to support the safe expression of distress and was seen as a positive experience by adolescents in inpatient mental health care.